The City of Covina Police Explorer Program is comprised of young men and women in our community between the ages of 14 and 20. Most Police Explorers express interest in a future law enforcement career, however many Explorers go on to be successful in a variety of careers that are beneficial to our communities. Police Explorers are volunteers, and participate in law enforcement training exercises, physical fitness activities, patrol ride alongs, perform traffic control duties at special events, and other related duties as needed.

Minimally, a Police Explorer is required to maintain a 2.0 GPA, however many of our current explorers are excellent students who are involved in high school ASB and sports programs. To be an explorer, the candidate is required to attend a minimum of two regularly scheduled meetings, and then have an oral interview with a Police Explorer Advisor and ranking Police Explorer. Upon successful completion of this interview, the Explorer Advisor will complete a modified background which includes checking with the candidates school to confirm grades, attendance and discipline, if any. Later, the explorer will be fingerprinted. Those that meet these qualifications, are required to attend an Explorer Academy, which consists of 16 consecutive Saturdays at Arcadia High School.

The explorer program is not a "fix it" program for youth that have lost their way. The explorer program is looking for youth in our community that have demonstrated leadership and good citizenship within the community. They are representative of the Covina Police Department and are to be examples for their peers to follow. We look for candidates who have good grades, are active in their schools, show good judgment, an eagerness to learn, and are not involved in narcotic, graffiti, or gang activity.

Sergeant James McDonough oversees the Police Explorer Program, along with Explorer Advisors Officer Crystal Goins, Officer Mike Colburn, Officer Jason Kerns, Officer Steven Hickey, Officer Mario Corona, and Officer Luis Spindola. If you have interest in the Covina Police Department Explorer Program and wish to be contacted for more information, send an email with your contact information to Sergeant McDonough at
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